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Mounting equipment may take many forms including fixed or swing away mounting arms, bags or baskets attached to the wheelchair, or customised frames built into a part of the wheelchair or tray.
The purpose of mounting equipment is to:
(i) ensure consistent positioning;
(ii) make equipment portable and available in a variety of places
(eg. classroom, playground, shops, home);
(iii) make equipment available in a variety of positions (eg. wheelchair, bed, standing frame);
(iv) ensure safety of equipment.
It is very important to consider the impact of the combined weight of a device plus a mount on the balance of a wheelchair. This should be tested with a person in and out of the wheelchair.
When commercially available solutions do not meet needs, customised solutions should be considered in consultation with occupational therapists, technicians or rehabilitation engineers. In some situations it may be advisable to consult an expert in the area of technology for people with disabilities. The Computer Assistive Technology Services (CATS) is a division of Northcott and located in North Parramatta. They also travel extensively throughout NSW. The Assistive Technology Service of Cerebral Palsy Alliance is located in Allambie Heights.
Specific assistance regarding customisation may be available from the following:
REHABILITATION ENGINEERS
Rehabilitation engineers have a special interest in designing and building equipment and rehabilitation equipment for people with disabilities. They can be contacted at major hospitals and through ARATA (Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association Inc).
WORKSHOPS ATTACHED TO ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The expertise and services available at any workshop will vary between organisations. Frequently, workshops will be staffed by people with experience in seating, electronics, wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics, and carpentry. Northcott and Cerebral Palsy Alliance both have workshops with experienced staff. Some hospitals will also have workshops.
TECHNICAL AID TO THE DISABLED (TAD)
TAD are a group of volunteers throughout NSW who specialise in providing customised solutions for people with a disability. They can provide imaginative solutions for a variety of seemingly difficult circumstances.
UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS
Occasionally, university engineering departments can assist with customised solutions. Post graduate students are sometimes required to design and build innovative, imaginative devices with a specific purpose in mind.
This information has been prepared by the COMPUTER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE (Div. of Northcott).
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